BALTIMORE (AP) — Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Matt Joyce has been scratched from Friday night’s game against Baltimore, a day after getting a cortisone shot in his left shoulder.
Joyce began the day with a .336 batting average, second best in the American League. He said he was available to pinch-hit and thought he’d be ready to play on Saturday.
Manager Joe Maddon said the team recommended Joyce get the shot on Thursday in Los Angeles, an off-day for the Rays.
Joyce came to the ballpark complaining of soreness and was removed from the lineup. He said he’d been feeling sore for past 10 days. Justin Ruggiano replaced Joyce in right field.
